CHAPTER 92………………………..
“…Are there any more of you?”
Killian calmly lowered his sword, scanning to see if there might be any remaining challengers.
But there was no need to lift his gaze to check.
Just from the ragged panting echoing all around, it was clear that there was no point in continuing.
“Your Eminence, I have carried out your orders in full.”
“…C–Commander?”
What a disastrous thing to say!
The Archbishop, who always wore a gentle smile, turned stern and yanked on the arm of Killian, who had bowed his head to him.
Anyone seeing this would think I was the one who ordered it!
Among those clutching their chests and rolling on the dirt, not a single one was of low rank.
The Archbishop lowered his voice, feeling a headache coming on.
“At this rate, there will be rumors that we started a war inside the Grand Cathedral. Honestly, what do you call this mess?”
“That’s why I used only the back of my sword.”
“Marvelous. Truly, what restraint.”
For the first time in his life, the Archbishop understood what it meant to be dumbfounded. He almost clapped, then quickly made the sign of the cross instead.
To think I should be grateful for this.
He felt a strange sense of relief that none of the wounded were conscious enough to voice a complaint. Had anyone opened their mouth, it could have turned into a serious diplomatic issue.
The Archbishop raised his hands benignly, trying to smooth things over as though nothing had happened.
“Do not worry, everyone. Sister Rebecca will tend to your wounds.”
“Ohhh!”
Thankfully, thanks to Rebecca’s constant prayers, there were no fatalities.
She approached the most severely injured noble and began reciting a prayer. A soft blue light flowed from her palms.
The bishops’ worried gazes quickly turned to admiration.
“So that’s the power of divine healing!”
“Remarkable, truly remarkable.”
“…You flatter me.”
It was the holy healing power said to exist only in San Fidelio.
How could I, of all people, have ended up ensnared by that devil?
Normally crushed by self-doubt when it came to Adelle, Rebecca now found herself basking in well-deserved praise as she demonstrated her skill.
Meanwhile, Killian, having finished his duties, was already striding toward the knights’ quarters.
Step. Step.
With not the slightest hesitation in his stride, the Archbishop hurried to catch up.
“Commander, where are you going now?”
“I understand that time outside of duty is mine to use freely.”
“Did you just call this duty?”
The Archbishop, who had been wearing a vague smile, finally let out a hearty laugh once they reached an empty corridor.
Killian turned at the sound, puzzled, but his long legs never stopped moving.
“Wasn’t this exactly what they wanted me to do?”
“…Not wrong, but still.”
“I’ll be back before dawn the day after tomorrow.”
Even his hands moved restlessly — time hard-won, and his heart already racing toward one place.
The Archbishop sighed deeply, muttering under his breath.
“How did you manage to live here before you were married?”
“I hadn’t tried it then.”
In other words, once you’ve experienced it, living here quietly is no longer possible.
Completely ignoring the young man’s impatience, the Archbishop leisurely lifted a box of gifts sent by the visiting dignitaries.
“A pity. I was hoping to ask you to slay a few more beasts while you were at it. The god Enes always desires that mankind be protected, after all.”
“I’m sorry as well. If I could, I would gladly oblige.”
Killian’s expression didn’t flicker. The Archbishop found himself speechless.
For a man who usually said only three or four words a day…
He himself had never been married, but at this point he wondered if Killian and his wife were sharing one soul between them.
“Ahem. Of course, it wouldn’t have been a mere favor. Among the gifts our guests brought, there’s something I thought might suit your taste.”
“I’m not concerned with such things. To be tempted by material wealth would be foolish—”
“How about this, then?”
The Archbishop opened a small jewelry box right in front of Killian, who had been about to refuse without looking.
Those refined lips paused mid-sentence. He had clearly seen it.
“They call it a red diamond. The High Priestess said it reminded her of Lady Adelle’s eyes.”
“…”
“Well, I understand your intent, Commander. I’m not so rigid as to interfere with your personal time—”
“Your Eminence.”
Killian placed a hand on the Archbishop’s arm. “Placed” was a polite word — the old man couldn’t move an inch, effectively pinned.
The Archbishop looked up, feigning ignorance, though the corners of his mouth twitched.
‘He’ll back down again, just like last time.’
The will of God worked in mysterious ways indeed.
Who would have thought there’d come a day when he could tease Killian?
Even a divine emissary transcending worldly concerns found these small amusements precious with age.
It wasn’t as if he had sons or grandchildren — if his godson Killian could flare up one more time, it would at least give him something to laugh about in his twilight years.
Feigning piety, the Archbishop’s gaze glimmered with holiness.
“My, my. I never imagined you would act like this, Commander…”
“I never imagined you would, Your Eminence.”
“…What do you mean by that?”
There was no anger or fluster in Killian’s tone — only mild disappointment. The Archbishop cleared his throat, trying not to be shaken.
“Ahem. Even if you take that tone, Commander, I—”
“I thought you desired my heir.”
“…M–My what?”
What divine blessing is this in my old age?!
The Archbishop’s hands trembled as he held the ring box.
Killian’s gaze, fixed on the pinkish-red diamond, slowly lifted to meet his.
Even one who could read the rise and fall of kingdoms had forgotten this one crucial fact—
“…Do you truly wish for me to go hunt beasts?”
—that this man he’d always seen as a son was, in fact, the husband of Sergio Adelle, the Queen of Deals herself.
